Ricky Gervais and Amy Schumer share tributes to Garry Shandling

Ricky Gervais and Amy Schumer are leading the tributes to comedian Garry Shandling following his unexpected death this week.

The Larry Sanders Show star fell ill on Thursday morning (24Mar16) and was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital, where he died, according to TMZ.com.

His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the comedy community and a host of entertainers have taken to social media to honour his memory.

British funnyman Gervais was the first to share his sorrow, writing on Twitter, “RIP the great Garry Shandling. Surely, one of the most influential comedians of a generation,” while Schumer posted, “Goodbye Gary Shandling thank you for your kindness and your generosity and for making me laugh so damn much”.

Featuring: Garry ShandlingCredit: Brian To/WENN.com

“Saddened over Garry Shandling,” added Family Guy creator and Ted star Seth MacFarlane. “He was a comedy idol of mine. He leaves behind the greatest single-camera comedy of all time. #LarrySanders”.

Comedy icon Albert Brooks shared, “R.I.P. Garry Shandling. I am so saddened to hear this. Brilliantly funny and such a great guy. He will be so missed.”

Close pal Kathy Griffin, who had just shared a photo of herself with Shandling, and Breaking Bad star Bob Odenkirk online last weekend (20Mar16), was clearly shocked by his loss, writing, “Sunday, my longtime friend Garry Shandling was here, making every1 (sic) laugh. I loved him. I’ll miss our talks the most.”

Comedienne Sandra Bernhard also struggled to believe the news, telling fans, “If it’s true I am heartsick @GarryShandling has died? One in a million brilliant people say it’s not so”.

“Garry Shandling was a very special comedian with a beautifully unpredictable mind,” tweeted Steve Martin. “He even voluntarily offered jokes and ideas for Oscars.”

Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres, who appeared alongside Shandling on The Larry Sanders Show, wrote, “Shocked and saddened to hear about Garry Shandling’s sudden death. I was honored to get to work with him. He will be missed.”

Actress/singer Kristin Chenoweth also remembered Shandling warmly, stating, “Sad today. My friend @GarryShandling passed. He encouraged me from the very start. A few weeks ago he told me life was short and enjoy it.”

Tributes have also poured in from the likes of Daryl Hannah, John Stamos, Michael McKean, David Boreanaz, Mandy Moore, Logan Lerman, Jerry O’Connell, Josh Radnor, Josh Groban, and veteran U.S. newsman Larry King, who posted, “The King family is shocked & saddened by Garry Shandling’s passing. Brilliant, funny & genuinely nice. A very rare combination.”